Game played on 10/6/2024.
In a tightly played matchup, both goaltenders put in solid performances, though without any spectacular steals, showcasing consistency in this defensively driven game. With limited Grade A scoring opportunities for either side, the teams combined for fewer than 30 shots each. Special teams weren’t much of a factor, as the power plays struggled, combining for just one goal on seven chances. In the end, the Cataractes secured a 4-2 victory over Victoriaville, capitalizing on their opportunities in a well-structured defensive game. Scout: Marco Lavigne
Mickael Chapdelaine (D, L, 5’8″, 154, Shawnigan Cataractes, 06/23/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: Few interesting flashes for this affiliated player, he moves his feet really well, he is safe, smart with the puck and play on both senses. Below average size left defenseman who can play on the right side, he needs to be extraordinary in other aspects than size, reach and physicality to be noticeable, as of now he is good to very good on many aspects but nothing extraordinary.
Cole Chandler (C, L, 6’2″, 176, Shawnigan Cataractes, 05/01/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: Interesting prospect to follow: a 6’02’ left shooter with a lot of speed who can shoot the puck, has dynamic feet and has the vision, could be interesting if he develops well. Cole created two scoring chance in the 2nd by accelerating and shooting and by redirecting a shot quick pass to the net, nothing spectacular but could have been fruitful.
Jakob Hanlan (G, L, 6’0″, 178, Victoriaville Tigers, 04/24/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: Good showing for this rookie, he tracked the puck really well all game long but his size is below average for a goalie. Hanlan has a very strong righthand (blocker), he made a lot of blocker’s side stop and directed the rebounds with ease, even if he let one goal in this side in the middle of the second period, it was one of his strengths today. After a somewhat soft goal that went through him, he id really well and made on clutch save when it was 2-2 in the second, his moved his legs pretty quick and was square to keep his team in the game.
Olivier Laverdiere (F, L, 6’1″, 202, Victoriaville Tigers, 08/18/2007)
Grade: C
Comments: Interesting size for a left winger of 17 years old, Olivier has a strong hockey IQ as observed through few nice and crisp passes within the neutral zone in the second frame. His game in the defensive zone was sub-optimal today, he initiated and/or executed few break-outs while being really soft so he lost the puck and it resulted in at least two turnovers in the first tier. His pass reception skills are something he needs to work on as well, was not fully in control in those situations and when he applied forechecks, like early ij the game, he needs to get there with some intentions, not only to passively react to the opponent.
Maddox Labre (D, L, 6’2″, 182, Victoriaville Tigers, 06/15/2007)
Grade: C+
Comments: Definitely the Top potential NHL prospect on the ice today, Maddox has clear strengths but clear weaknesses as well. He sis stellar offensively when he has the puck in his possession but defensively, he is not intense, often oddly positioned and very soft on his stick. At over 6’2′, he must play with some physicality in order to gain the loose pucks and initiate break-outs, which he is really strong at. This left handed defenseman must play with conviction when defending, for example on the first goal of Shawinigan he was only a witness and did not try to close the gap or play with his defensive stick, he let the guy shoot without warnings. Labre has the tendency of getting himself out of the play after a first nice pass, he usually becomes really loose and does not follow the play. In summary, when he had the puck on his tape today, he did stand out with his vision and his skating fluidity, however, when he did not have it, he was extremely vulnerable. One could say he must learn to be a defenseman at this level.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images